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UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM FOR LIBERIA SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOP HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA AND UCL DELEGATION MEETS WITH NEW MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Almost 150 students from the University of Liberia UL), African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), Stella Maris Polytechnic and other institutions of higher learning attended the first University Consortium for Liberia (UCL) Scholarship Workshop held at the UL Fendell Campus on May 22, 2018. The UCL was first established in 2009 in collaboration with Dr. Emmet Dennis, President of the University of Liberia and Cynthia Blandford, Honorary Consul General Republic of Liberia in Georgia. UCL became a non-profit organization in 2015 and has 16 Institutional Partners. The UCL Scholarship is open to Liberian students and/or students of Liberian descent pursuing a post-secondary education at U.S. College or University.

Group Photo with Workshop Participants

Two members of the UCL Board facilitated an information packed workshop to inform, educate and provide information on scholarships to Liberian students including Cynthia Blandford, Honorary Consul General Republic of Liberia, and President and Board Chair of the UCL along with Saki Golafale, UCL Treasurer, and UCL recipient pursuing a PhD. In chemistry at Clark Atlanta University. Matilda Arhin, President of the Ghana International Chamber of Commerce, USA, and Consultant to the UCL, also presented 25 additional scholarship offerings to the students. The UL host for the occasion was Dr. Mamawa Freeman-Moore, Director of the Honors Program at UL, representing Dr. Ophelia Weeks, President of UL. Dr. Joseph Isaac, President of AMEU and UCL Institutional Partner, brought the welcome and greetings to students and faculty.

Consul General and UCL President, Cynthia Blandford speaking at workshop

GICC President, Ms. Matilda Arhin presents on F1 Visas

AME University President, Dr. Joseph Isaac giving remarks

A participant expresses concerning about returning to Liberia after studies

A student explains her F1 visa denial

Honor Student expresses difficulties students go through

The purpose of the UCL Scholarship Workshop was to give an overview of the UCL Scholarship Guidelines and Application, review other U.S. Scholarship opportunities and to discuss the F1 Visa. A lively discussion took place as students had questions regarding the 16 UCL partners institutions in the U.S. and challenges with the F1 visa. The UCL Scholarship Deadline has been extended until July 31, 2018. At the conclusion of the Workshop, the UCL Board presented Chemistry books, the Periodical Table and other educational materials to the UL Science Lab.

The UCL Delegation also attended the Ministry of Education 2018 National Education Summit in Kakata City, Margibi County. President George Manneh Weah officially launched the 2018-2028 plan at the Booker Washington Institute which carved out four main focal points; “curricular amendments, teacher development, school management and equipped infrastructure. According to sources, the summit brought together over 300 education specialists, policymakers, parents, business and community leaders, teachers as well as others with interest in seeing Liberia’s education system succeed.

UCL delegation meets Minister of Education, Prof. Ansu Sonii

As a follow-on, the UCL Delegation also had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Education Professor Ansu D. Sonii, Sr. and to hear his vision one-on-one in his office. The UCL President, Madame Blandford, extended an invitation to Minister Sonii to be the guest speaker at the UCL Annual Scholarship event which will be held at Georgia State University later this year.

University Consortium for Liberia

The University Consortium for Liberia (UCL) provides student scholarships, faculty and student exchanges, study abroad experiences, and service learning opportunities between Liberia and partner member organizations around the world!

Our mission is to help provide brighter futures through education and understanding.